Tiles of various shapes and colors brought new life to mundane spaces in 2022
2022 was a year of exploration.
While the past few years saw us grappling with pandemic-proof design strategies, this year saw us trying to make things more comfortable. Still keeping in mind hygienic practices, many of us have tried to go back to classic elements that feel nostalgic and familiar. These beloved features mark our gradual rise from our pandemic fears and a return to our roots.
Without much ado, here are the design trends that marked 2022.
Open plans reimagined
Open space planning suddenly became a no-no during the COVID-19 pandemic. As social distancing became essential, everyone suddenly started to put up enclosures to ensure their safety from airborne viruses. No one could deny, however, the practicality and usefulness of open plans.
With vaccines becoming widespread this year, however, people gained the courage to bring back open plans albeit with some noticeable changes. From louvers to screens, partitions were still prevalent in wide spaces, a quiet reminder that the virus still remains in our midst. Platforms were used to mark separated areas. These often featured materials to help distinguish different areas.
The return of glass blocks
Glass blocks were revived to bring in light to otherwise enclosed areas
Glass blocks were the thing of the ’30s and ’80s, so it is arguably a classic—if not dated—domestic feature.
This year, however, saw a renewed interest in these semi-opaque dividers. They effectively separate areas without blocking off light. While they are predominantly used on walls, they have recently started appearing on floors as well. Providing good insulation and a sense of privacy, these elements are often extensively used in bathrooms, kitchen areas and office receptions. They help meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements and can be used sustainably in building construction.
While they are often square and stacked in appearance, they are now available in different shapes and sizes. These little blocks may just be what you need to make your home bright and warm in the years to come.
Resurgence of neon
Neon lights have appeared in our homes, turning our bedrooms into personal works of art
As 2022 saw many of us trying to personalize domestic spaces, neon lights suddenly became popular in bedrooms and studio pads. These low-energy lights have always been a staple in restaurants and shops, but they have lost favor among modern enthusiasts in the 21st century.
Thanks to nostalgic creatives, however, neon lights are gradually becoming the centerpiece of many bedrooms. They can be used to state inspiring quotes, highlight edges, or even provide a quirky nightlight next to the bed. If you’re looking to add some neon to your life, you can easily purchase some ready-made fixtures from online shops or light stores.
If you’re looking for a more personalized touch, however, it’s best to have one custom made. These illuminated pieces will not only add zest to your life, they can also make your bedrooms feel like a diner or a barbershop where you can reminisce memories to your heart’s content.
Tiles in all shapes and sizes
The tile has always been the go-to finish of the typical middle-class Juan building his home. Affordable and accessible, this traditional material is easy to maintain in the long run.
2022, however, saw the tile occur in our homes in various permutations. While the material has long dominated our floors, this year saw it being treated like a wallpaper, extending from the ground to the top of the wall.
Its shape is also becoming more varied in design, as some of us have gained the courage to veer away from the traditional squares and opt for unique shapes like hexagon or thin rectangles. The tile is also occurring in bolder colors across homes of today, injecting some personal tastes into otherwise ordinary living rooms and kitchens.
Brown, brown, brown everywhere
Earth tones and brown dominated 2022, creating warm and inviting spaces
As many of us have fallen in love with nature-inspired spaces on Instagram and Pinterest, our homes today feature earthly elements such as plants and stones. To complement these features, various shades of brown have become our go-to paint colors. Ranging from terracotta red to muted beige, brown hues make our interiors feel warm, cozy and relaxing.
Brown has also extended to our furniture and finishes. Caramel-colored couches feel soft and inviting, while brown-covered rugs easily hide stains on the floor.
Want to know more good news about this color? According to Danielle Colding, a New York-based interior designer, brown is “in” forever. It’s a timeless color that will always make you feel fuzzy and warm, like a hot cup of chocolate on cold evenings. It’s the perfect touch to highlight your greens or just make your home feel calm and stress-free.
What’s in store for 2023?
2022 has seen us shift from fearing the virus to finding hope in the future. This is expressed in our renewed interest in nostalgic and warm elements, a seeming attempt to escape our fears and create sanctuaries within our homes.
2023 will likely continue this expression of hope, albeit in bolder hues and more unique designs. Emerging trends include curtain trims, wallpaper borders and heritage tiles.
According to the interior designer Tara Bernerd, the growing theme is a more relaxed style of sophistication. We want to feel at home in a hotel-like space, with all the personal touches that make the space our own. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the future, as we try to leave the pandemic behind and rebuild our lives in the new normal.
Sources: www.livingetc.com, www.lifestyleasia.com, www.vogue.com, www.archdaily.com, Abo Adam, La Miko, Maksim Goncharenok, and Anna Shvets via Pexels.com